
- A little over a year ago I was approached by a MASSIVE company to do some work with them on a year-long project that would have paid at least double what I was making at my last job in addition to some major exposure on their social media outlets.
- I had to “audition” for the part but was made to believe that I was a shoo-in and was the top prospect for this position.
- I created the content and felt incredibly happy with the work that I sent in; additionally the company said that I had gone far above and beyond their expectations for the audition.
- I was contacted by the company a few days later with some concern that I was too outspoken about my beliefs and could offend some of their consumers.
- A few days later I was told that another blogger got the job.
Now please hear this: I am certainly not trying to sit here and whine about this. I firmly believe that God has very specific reasons for the doors that he chooses to open and close for us. I can’t say that I wasn’t bummed out at the time, but since then have had that knowledge affirmed again and again many times over.
I think that the most important thing is that I realized this: as a believer in Christ and because of my deeply growing and personal relationship with Him I can’t hide him from the work that I do. I’m incredibly lucky to work for myself and have the freedom to share what I feel and think when I feel and think it; it is truly a blessing.
When I spoke with this company about their concerns I made it known that I understood their standpoint, that the work I would do for them would not mention my faith, but that I can’t hide whose I am. I could do the work for them without mentioning my relationship with Christ, but that on my personal blog I would continue to talk about it when I felt led to.
Sometimes I sit back and wonder what doors would be opened to me if I didn’t mention God’s name or his call on my life. I wonder how much money I could make, how many awesome deals I could get, how many companies would bend over backwards to get their name up here. Sometimes I think that it would probably look really cool from a “stuff” standpoint, you know? What girl wouldn’t love a nice paycheck, cool clothes or brand new things?
Then I think about what expense those things would come at. I can’t hide whose I am any more than God can stop being God. I won’t. And while that may mean some missed opportunities, it makes the ones that do come along just that much sweeter – knowing that the Lord has placed them in my path for a reason, for a purpose, and that those are the jobs that I will work my tail off to be successful at. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me 😉
Now that I’ve shared all that, how about some chili? I was a little hesitant at first to call this chili because honestly it’s more of a soup that has chili powder in it. Regardless, it is delicious and a lot of it has to do with the fact that I like to use some pretty stellar bacon all up in there. And seeing as how it’s all rainy and wonderfully dreary here I think a great bowl of soup is just the thing. Y’all enjoy!
BACON RANCH CHICKEN CHILI
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 6 slices Petit Jean Meats bacon, chopped
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons Ranch dressing seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
In a large soup pot render the bacon til crisp over medium heat. Once the bacon is crisped, remove it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings. Add the onion, carrot and celery and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Add the chicken and cook until just done, then add the chili powder, Ranch dressing and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Serve hot with the rendered bacon on top!
Hi Heather, I am all the way from Ukraine and your post have been so inspiring! Have been feeling the same way with my recent job interviews. But I know the Lord has so much greater things for me “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared for those who love him.”. He is our amazing Father:-) Just wanted to say keep it up))
Thank you Maya! It is so encouraging to hear you say that – thank you!!!
Loved the vlog – hope you do more!
I loved your video–you have such wonderful faith and outlook. And, I am going to try the chili!:)
Great post. Just remember that it is being yourself that has gotten you where you are now. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and there are bigger and better things coming for you, my friend!
Thank you Misty! You are just the sweetest – I hope you’re feeling better since #AWBU!!!
Your courage and outspoken faith are so inspiring! Thanks for sharing. 🙂